Sir – I read with interest the report (January 9) that Wantage Town Council has decided that the new development of flats and shops in Wallingford Street is to be known as Little Lane.

The planning committee recalled that the street had formerly been known by this name.

However, historically this is not where the lane used to be. Little Lane was further west, nearer to the Market Place and went from Wallingford Street to Stirlings Lane.

It is mentioned in Kathleen Philip’s book Black Wantage, which records life in Wantage between about 1790 and 1830.

She says that it was also known as Rope Walk. I remember it as a footpath with high brick walls on either side.

Lucille Melotti
Locks Lane
Wantage